offshore | h.s

57

GENEVIEVE CLARK

It's been about a week since that big fight with Harry, and the tension between us hangs heavy in the air. Neither of us has apologized yet, but honestly, I don't feel like I'm the one in the wrong. I've tried to reach out, to break through the walls he's put up, but it's like he's in his own world, completely shut off from me. Love on Tour starts in just over a week so his schedule has been packed, but I can tell something's eating away at him, but no matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to figure out what it is. It's eating me up inside.

Today, we have someone coming over to interview for the position of Avery's new nanny. It's a step we've been meaning to take for a while now, but with everything that's been going on between Harry and me, it feels like we're just going through the motions. Still, it's something that needs to be done. Avery deserves the best care possible, especially with all the changes happening in our lives.

As I wait for the nanny to arrive, I sit with Avery at the kitchen table, teaching her about shapes. She's giggling as she tries to fit the square block into the round hole of her toy, and despite the tension in the air, her laughter brings a small ray of light into the room.

Meanwhile, Harry is in the living room, flipping through a magazine. I can hear the pages rustling as he absently scans the articles, his mind seemingly elsewhere. It's moments like these that make me realize how different our roles are as parents.

As Avery's mother, I feel the weight of responsibility heavy on my shoulders. With all the changes happening in her life, from Archie leaving to the move to LA, I know she craves stability and routine. That's why I'm here, patiently guiding her through the shapes, providing the steady presence she needs.

But sometimes, I can't help but feel a pang of jealousy when I see how effortlessly Harry connects with Avery. He's the fun one, the playful dad who can make her laugh with just a silly joke or a tickle. It's as if their bond is effortless, while mine requires constant effort and vigilance.

Despite my envy, I know that my role as Avery's mother is crucial. I may not always be the one she runs to for fun and games, but I'm the one she turns to for stability. And as much as it may sting at times, I wouldn't trade that bond for anything in the world.

"Alright, Avery, let's see if you know what these shapes are," I say, pointing to the first card.

Avery looks at the card intently, then with a mischievous grin, she blurts out, "Circle!"

I chuckle softly. "Nice try, but that one's a square," I correct her gently.

Avery scrunches up her face in concentration, then points to another card. "Triangle!"

"Yes, that's right!" I exclaim, clapping my hands in excitement. "You got it!"

We continue through the stack of cards, with Avery guessing and me guiding her along. Sometimes she gets it right on the first try, and other times she needs a little help.

As we reach the end of the stack, Avery looks up at me with a bright smile. "I did it, Mumma!"

"You sure did, baby," I reply, pulling her into a hug. "I'm so proud of you."

The doorbell rings and I glance up from the table, catching the sound of Harry's footsteps as he moves to answer it. It must be Sadie Hale, the potential nanny we've been expecting. I listen as they exchange greetings and make their way down the hallway, their voices fading into the distance.

Turning back to Avery, I smile softly at her eager expression. "Alright, Ave, how about you watch a movie?" 

Her eyes light up at the idea, and she nods enthusiastically. "Elsa!"